How We Help

Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation has invested over $1,100,000 to benefit D95

The Foundation provides funding to District 95 for annual and ad hoc educational programs that align with the District 95 mission and require funding above what current school revenue sources permit, with priorities including but not limited to:

Experiential learning projects and enhancements
“Future Ready” student support
Educator-led enrichment and innovation projects

Our Funding Priorities

Experiential Learning Projects
And Enhancements

The Foundation is prioritizing funding to support the Career Pathways Development initiative at the high school, aimed at preparing students for success in high-demand fields. Our goal is to enhance existing programs and create new opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

Funding priorities include hands-on tools and equipment - such as medical training devices, technology for engineering and design, and other resources that align with current and emerging career pathways. By investing in these enhancements, the Foundation helps ensure students gain meaningful, practical experience that supports both college and career readiness.

Each year, the Foundation proudly invests $20,000 in the INCubator Program, an innovative entrepreneurship course that gives high school students the opportunity to develop real business ideas from concept to pitch. Through mentorship from local business leaders and hands-on experience, students gain valuable skills in teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving—preparing them to be the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Current Fundraising Priority: Anatomage Table

With many District 95 students interested in health and the sciences, District 95 is prioritizing science education tech enhancements as part of the Lake Zurich High School D-wing remodel. The District 95 Educational Foundation is working to raise $100,000 for the purchase of a cutting-edge Anatomage Table, a real-human-based 3D anatomy and medical education system that transforms medical education and the anatomy and dissection lab experience for students.

Help us make D95 students "Future Ready" by making a donation:

Naming rights are available for corporate donors. Please contact: foundation@lz95.org for more information.

GIVE HERE

Anatomage Table:

Learn More About INCubator

“Future Ready” Student Support

The CUSD95 Portrait of a Graduate envisions that all District 95 graduates will be “Future Ready” and positive ambassadors of CUSD95 and the broader Lake Zurich community wherever their lives take them. In pursuit of this goal, the District 95 Educational Foundation will work with District and school staff to help fund the following student-centric initiatives:

Post-secondary scholarships: The D95 Educational Foundation will work with the District and LZHS staff to identify D95 students who embody the district’s “Portrait of a Graduate” vision and award scholarships for their post-secondary pursuits.
- Donors interested in establishing a named scholarship program (>$10,000) can contact foundation@lz95.org.
Trade career pathways: Recognizing the diversity in post-secondary pathways available to D95 students, the D95 Foundation will work with District and LZHS staff to identify and support students pursuing training and education opportunities related to professional opportunities in the trades.
- Illustrative examples: Job shadowing programs/externship support
“D95 Ambassador” grants: On an ad hoc basis, student groups with faculty/school support can request Foundation support for supplemental opportunities beyond the community in recognition of special ability, accomplishments, or training.
- Illustrative examples: Competitions/conferences

Current Scholarships

Educator-Led Enrichment And Innovation Projects

We support educator-initiated ideas and enhancements that elevate the student experience across District 95.

Bi-annual classroom grants: The District 95 Educational Foundation administers bi-annual grant application cycles for faculty and staff interested in pursuing educational programs or materials that promote and enhance student learning, inspire new teaching methods, and encourage employee creativity and excellence in teaching.
- Learn more:
- Prior grant projects:
  - Building Thinking Classrooms- initiative, designed to transform traditional teaching into active, student-centered learning. This program equips teachers with strategies - such as using vertical whiteboards, random groupings, and rich problem-solving tasks - to engage students in deeper thinking, collaboration, and meaningful learning across subjects.
  - Dual Interactive Display- touchscreen panels that allow teachers and students to write, draw, and interact with digital content simultaneously. These displays enhance classroom engagement, collaboration, and interactive learning experiences.

Apply Here